Fingerprint reader: good piece of kit or gimmicky junk?

[rambo47]

I haven't enabled the built-in fingerprint reader on my T60P. What's the feeling on this thing? The opinions I've read elsewhere run the gamut, from users claiming it has locked them out of their own computer to merely inconvenient to awesome. First-hand users, what do you say?

[ziemeck]

Extremely convenient, especially if your corporation requires password on screensaver and long passwords for security reasons. For personal use - just funny gadget, but if you got accustomed to it at work - really harrd to switch back to typing passwords. On occassions - if you have sweaty or wet hands - does not work at all, which is bit irritating.

[ajkula66]

Disabled on any machine that enters my house for personal use.

I have no need for it. Brings nothing to overall security IMHO.

My $0.02 only...

[vinuneuro]

I have it enabled do use it from time to time. It's very convenient if I'm on the phone, eating lunch, etc.

The fingerprint software built into Win 7 is much better than Lenovo's. Quicker and detects my prints better.

[Harald]

I've read elsewhere run the gamut, from users claiming it has locked them out of their own computer

Not users - idiots to stupid to read manual.
There's no way to be locked, because you can always enter your password as usual - fingerprint reader is only convenient way to bypass password check.

[ThinkRob]

I'd vote for "gimmick", since most consumer-level biometrics devices are reportedly rather insecure.

My X200s and my X61s both had/have fingerprint readers, and I can't say I've ever found them useful.

[tannerj]

My T61p has a fingerprint reader. It was not one of the deal-makers by any means, I didn't really care about it when I bought the laptop. Now that I have it and have been using the fingerprint reader, I find it quite convenient. Worst trouble I ever have is that I sometimes have to slide my finger 2 or 3 times to login. Still easier then typing a password lol. All in all, I could live without it no sweat, but it's a nice perk of the machine

[ArtShapiro]

I have it on three of my laptops, and use it solely for Windows logon purposes. I arbitrarily decided that using it for other logons, while nice, involved too much additional running software.

I have a love-hate relationship with it. Sometimes it works beautifully, with a gentle flick of the finger logging me on without incident. Other times, I try numerous times, with six or seven different fingers, and it never does work. It reaches the max count before locking me out (I have it upped to ten) and I end up using traditional keyboard entry.

Summary: when it works, it's nifty and convenient. When it doesn't, it would make Mother Teresa curse like a drunken sailor.

Art

[sktn77a]

Disabled on any machine that enters my house for personal use.
I have no need for it. Brings nothing to overall security IMHO.
My $0.02 only...

Me too. Except my wise-a$$ son keeps enabling it, thinking that Dad won't be able to check in browser cache for.......... inadvisable content! You should see his face when I say "log into your computer, I need to check it out"!

[reub1230]

I have it on the T61, i use it all the time its great. The windows software works better than lenovo. I get in on the first swipe 9 times out of 10. With the lenovo tools it always took 2 or 3 swipes.

[BruisedQuasar]

First thing I do is disable it.
I'm no secret agent.
My laptops never leave the house anymore and I have no spies in the house.
They are as useful to me as door locks on a building with windows. A self-installed keypad alarm system is vastly better than any door lock security system.
And without protection it's all useless.
Remember: When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

--Bruised

[Annobanno]

I like my fingerscanner , because you just swipe your finger and hey presto you're logged in - same on websites, plus I think it gives a good security for my computer, when I have it with me to several different networks and locations.

[dorronto]

I have used it on and off for years now. Sometimes works sometimes doesn't. Now I usually don't enable it. Not worth swiping my finger(s) numerous times for what???? I use a password and then enter it. Period. No need to swipe anymore. My security needs are very small...

To each his/her own,

Ron

[redleaderone]

I use the fingerprint reader and native win7 support - it's convenient for me.